2. Methods
Study design
A descriptive qualitative research design from a social-constructivist position was employed in the current study 10. Qualitative research designs have been employed to inform the development of Internet-based mental health programs (e.g., capturing the experiences of those who will participate in the program, identifying program components, directing levels of program engagement)11-12.
Participants
Three groups of participants were recruited for the study: (1) children with CF, (2) parents of children with CF, and (3) HCPs of children with CF. All participants were recruited from regional CF clinics. Child eligibility criteria included: (1) aged 7 to 18 years old; (2) CF diagnosis, and (3) spoke and read English. Child exclusion criteria included: (1) severe cognitive impairment and (2) major comorbid medical or psychiatric illness. Parents of children with CF were eligible if they spoke and read English. HCPs of children with CF were eligible if they were: (1) working with CF for a minimum of one year and (2) spoke and read English.
Written informed consent was obtained from adult participants. Parent caregivers provided written consent on behalf of their child and the children provided verbal assent. Ethics approval was provided by university and regional health authority research ethics boards.
Materials
Interview guides. The interview questions (see Table 1) were informed by the research objectives and the existing literature13, combined with the clinical experience of the research team. Follow-up questions were asked to allow participants to elaborate on their responses. Interviewing techniques (e.g., establishing rapport, active listening) were employed14.
Procedure
Individual semi-structured interviews were completed by the first author, either face-to-face or over the phone. When requested, parents were present during the child interviews. Individual interviews were also conducted with parents and HCPs of children with CF. Interviews ranged from 30 to 90 minutes in length. All interviews were audio-taped and field notes were made during the interviews. All participants were offered a $25 cash honorarium for their participation.